Look out for the Value Logistics convoys- and salute

This weekend – May 1^st 2021 – marks a huge milestone for Value Logistics as it celebrates its 40^th anniversary and while Covid has prevented it throwing the traditional party, it is celebrating the occasion in a grand and highly visible style.

“It’s no small feat for any business to reach the age of 40 and although I would have liked to celebrate this milestone with all my incredible colleagues and customers, we are sadly still in the midst of the Covid pandemic and the safety of everyone comes first,” says Steven Gottschalk, founder of the company and CEO of Value Logistics.

So, as an alternative to a good old-fashioned party with cake, Value will putting 810 of its 3 000 trucks on magnificent display in a series of convoys across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein.

“We’ve traversed great distances with our long-standing customers and staff over the past four decades and these convoys are a symbolic celebration of all our shared successes. We can be proud,” says Gottschalk.

In honour of the company’s history, Gottschalk will be leading the Johannesburg convoy out the gates of Value City and onto the road behind the wheel of his old, faithful petrol driven 2-ton drop side Mazda. This was his first first commercial truck which he used to drive around Pretoria’s suburbs looking for residences in need of house or garden refuse removal. He would then load the rubble onto the truck and take it to the municipal dump. 

“That Mazda is really where the Value story begins and for that reason, it is one of the most valuable trucks in South Africa today. It would probably raise, at most, R10 000 at an auction but even if we were offered many millions of Rands, it wouldn’t be for sale,” says Gottschalk, adding that the Mazda now sits at the entrance to Value City, the company’s largest super hub in Tunney, Johannesburg.

“It represents our company’s grit, commitment and ability to go the distance. That truck is an icon for Value, keeping us humble and reminding us that hard work does pay off,” he says.

Behind the Mazda in the Jo’burg convoy will be a 1970 petrol-driven Datsun bakkie – the first rental truck in South Africa. In 2000, Value bought the then well-known brand Rent-a-Bakkie and this Datsun was part of the deal. Behind them, will be a convoy of variously configured trucks that go about serving South Africa on a daily basis – and have done so for the past 40 years. 

The different convoys will leave each depot accompanied by music and dancers representing South Africa’s rich, cultural heritage. Three flags will wave the convoys off: the company’s ISO accreditation flag for general quality management, the Value Logistics flag and the South African flag. 

Value Logistics is a truly born and bred South African business and its future is entwined with the future of South Africa.

“Our business continues to enjoy good fortunes thanks to the support of our long-standing customers, suppliers, staff, board members and partners. Our shared successes demonstrate our hard work, foresight, courage and dogged determination. We are strong – just like our first truck. As for the future, Value is always learning and ready to take on new challenges. We will never compromise on quality and will continue to aim our high standards even higher. The road ahead invites us all to travel together towards even greater rewards and successes – we’re 40 years young and Value’s next journey is just getting started.”

FleetWatch will be there to bring our readers a report of the day’s festivities which – among others – includes tree planting ceremonies at all the depots. Until then, look out for the Value convoys in the various cities tomorrow morning – and salute them as they go past for this company and its staff are truly one of South Africa’s national assets.

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